Emily Wilson Begins Complete Retranslation of Homer's 'Odyssey'

Key points

• Wilson is approximately halfway through a 'complete retranslation' of the 2,800-year-old epic, distinct from a revision of her 2017 text.
• The new version allows for more lines, longer words, and phrase repetition, mirroring the approach she used in her 2023 'Iliad' translation.
• Wilson plans to quadruple the number of endnotes in the new edition, citing the enjoyment of the writing process.
• Sales of her 2017 translation surged over 600% year-over-year on Audible following Nolan's film premiere and her subsequent critique.
• The new translation is being published by Liveright Publishing, with editor Peter Simon describing the project as 'thrilling.'

Background

Wilson’s 2017 translation was the first major English version by a woman and was praised for its fidelity to the ancient Greek form. In July 2026, she published a scathing review of Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation in the 'London Review of Books,' calling it a 'sexless dud' that lacked ethical nuance. This critique sparked a public debate involving authors like Joyce Carol Oates and Susan Orlean, who defended the film or criticized Wilson's tone. Despite the controversy, the film's release drove significant interest in the source material, with daily global sales of Wilson's book rising nearly sixfold during the premiere week.

How outlets are covering it

The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times both report on the retranslation as a direct consequence of the cultural moment created by Nolan's film. The AP News emphasizes the 'unfazed' nature of Wilson's response to the discourse. While outlets agree on the facts of the new translation, they highlight different aspects: The LA Times notes the specific technical changes (line count, endnotes), while The New York Times frames it as a 'redo' following a 'firestorm.' All sources acknowledge that Nolan cited Wilson's 2017 work as an influence for his film, a fact that complicates the narrative of her later criticism.

Why it matters

This retranslation marks a significant shift in how a major classical text is presented to English-speaking audiences. By moving away from the strict line-for-line meter of her 2017 version, Wilson is prioritizing a more expansive, scholarly, and perhaps more accessible reading experience. The event also illustrates the complex relationship between modern media adaptations and academic scholarship, where a critical review can paradoxically increase the visibility and commercial success of the original scholarly work.

What to watch

Wilson is currently halfway through the translation process. No specific release date has been announced, but the project is expected to be published by Liveright. The new edition will feature significantly more endnotes and a looser poetic structure than the 2017 version.